America > Venezuela

The majority of the country enjoys a tropical climate, with hot weather throughout except in the more mountainous regions.

The year is separated into two seasons: The rainy season which lasts from May to November and the dry season from December to April, except in the jungle where rainfall is almost permanent.

The dry season is more conducive to visiting the country if you wish to avoid the mud, but the waterfalls of Salto Angel are far more spectacular in the wet season.

A country of records (the highest waterfall in the world, highest cable car, number of rare animal species, etc.), Venezuela offers travellers magnificent and contrasting landscapes.

Caracas, the dynamic and Americanised capital, is also populated by impoverished slums however it does have a number of sites worth visiting: The Cathedral in the Plaza Bolivar, the Petares neighbourhood with its colonial buildings, the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, and also neighbourhoods with vibrant nightlife, such as Las Mercedes, El Rosal and La Floresta.

The Caribbean coast attracts those who appreciate water sports and relaxation with its sandy beaches, clear waters and palm trees.

Along the Orinoco, the third longest river in South America, you will discover islands covered in forest and inhabited by fishermen, the city of Ciudad Bolivar, impressive waterfalls, including those of Angel Falls (sixteen times higher than Niagara Falls), and finally the amazing sight of the Gran Sabana.

The Sierra Nevada de Merida dominates the surrounding landscape with its rugged mountains, featuring traditional villages and you can follow trails surrounded by beautiful views, and also visit the city of Merida, just below the Bolivar summit, with its famous cable car, the world’s highest and longest.

Flights from international airlines arrive at Caracas airport.
Only a passport is required for stays of less than three months.
The currency in circulation is the Bolívar.

The required budget could be described as average in terms of food and accommodation: A double room costs about €30 and a meal less than €10, but you will pay slightly more in Caracas and also at certain times of the year or at weekends.

In relation to health issues, if you wish to visit the Amazon region, then plan vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A together with your normal vaccinations. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, do not swim in fresh water, and eat well cooked food. Also take precautions against dengue fever and malaria, and watch out for Altitude Sickness. Beware of snakes and some poisonous fish.

For transport within the country, a local airline flies to 54 cities. The bus is the simplest means of transport due to its frequency, comfort, cost and speed. In Caracas the metro is modern and cheap, and taxis are many but are sometimes attacked.